It's certainly not Colorado, but considering it's the Midwest, it's very nice for a day, evening ski or weekend getaway at reasonable prices. Thompsonville, MichiganDistance from Chicago: 312 miles; 4.5-hour driveInstead of being crammed into some broken down old lodge, you can rent badass private homes or high-end condos and throw your own socially distant aprs ski party at this Thompsonville stunner. The slopes opened with limited runs Thursday afternoon . In winter, however, its the closest thing Chicagoland has to a respectable ski establishment. They do a good job grooming when it gets sloppy out and keep the snow well maintained. Whether you are an advanced, intermediate or beginner skier or boarder we have terrain to suit your needs and ability level. DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) - It is snow-making time at Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque. The stratovolcano is located on the Sint Eustatius Island in the Caribbean. The resort sports 21 trails catering to all levels, and when youre ready to take a break, head over to one of their onsite lodges. Along the St. Croix River 33 miles from downtown Minneapolis, there are 36 trails including a 350-foot vertical drop at the 300-acre resort. Piers & Boardwalks Scenic Walking Areas, found this ski slope by accident, skiing in Iowa looks like fun. The Resort Partners cover: 3 Iowa ski resorts, 2 in Illinois, 2 in Wisconsin, 1 in Idaho, 2 in Colorado, 2 in New Mexico, 2 in Arizona and 1 in Utah! Oh and Galena is such a fabulous town. I ended up paying 4 times the price for an all area lift pass that I didnt even use as this is what was automatically given to me, despite the fact I had bought a 1 hour first timer ski lesson. Seven out of ten times we are normally open by Thanksgiving, so this has been an unusual year, Michael Murphy, the resorts general manager, commented. Nineteen ski and snowboard trails cut through solid rock bluffs range up to 3,500 feet in length and are geared to all levels. With the opening of the VAM mountain in WIjster - complete with a cycling "Col"-, the province of Drenthe has a new peak. Were guessing just this one. DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) - It is snow-making time at Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque. At Sundown, there's more than one ski lift and I found that to be a wonderful perk for beginners that wouldn't be an option at Chestnut. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Chestnut Mountain perches high on a ridge overlooking the Mississippi River near the historic riverport of Galena. Im sure Im not the only one that would assume that Iowa equalled flat and all corn fieldshow wrong was I! Sundown Mountain, Chestnut Mountain, Tyrol Basin, Cascade Mountain, Snowstar, Hidden Valley, Blackhawk, Four Lakes, & Wilmot Chestnut Mountain - January 7/8, 2023; Sundown Mountain - January 21/22, 2023; Devil's Head - February 4/5, 2023; Tyrol Basin - February 25/26, 2023; CLICK HERE for the current 2023 WIJARA Team Standings The lower elevations of the Mount Scenery support dry evergreen forest with species such as white cedar, sea grape, and redwood, cacti, mountain mahogany, grassy meadows. Grab a hamburger and coffee and pull up a chair to watch the skiers zip past or the bluffs (bring some binoculars) for deer. Maybe someday. Snow Report. For more information, visit the Sundown Mountain website! They do have some wraps and salads, although the super health conscious would do better bringing there own food. With 60 trails, 12 lifts, and seven terrain parks, one thing you wont find at this iconic resort is boredom. While I was researching winter activities for this ski trip, I stumbled across Sundown Mountain in Dubuque, just 20 minutes from Hotel Julien and 40 minutes from downtown Galena (who knew?) With 17 runs and 12 lifts across 150 skiable acres, 30% of the runs are Black or Double Black Diamondso it helps if you know what the hell youre doing. As Jim our savior came to help us, he was an aid for the park. All racers must be registered with WIJARA to be eligible to race. Youll also find a tubing hill with its own ski lift. I decided to stuff all my belongings into my pockets and leave anything else in the car (possibly the only good thing about a cold sportyou have plenty of clothes on with space to store things!). With a whopping 74 runs plus six terrain parks and one of the highest elevations in the Midwest at 1,942 feet, this resort, dating to 1937, is also one of the oldest in North America. Food area is a small cafeteria-like spot inside one of the lodges (similar to Chestnut although Chestnut also has an additional full restaurant on-site). I have never snow skied, but you do make it look like fun. We had a blast and again the staff did an outstanding job with our group. I went with my 13 yo son (we are both novices) on Sunday. Netherlands is a country in Western Europe that is slightly less than twice the size of the U.S. state of New Jersey, covering an area of 41,543 square kilometers and bordering only two countries, Germany and Belgium. Youd be surprised what happens each time you go again! 12 Awesome Things To Do In Cala D'Or, Mallorca | Cala D'Or Guide Spain, The Garden At 120: A Sky Garden Alternative | London, UK, 6 Must See Stops On A Marathon To Key West Florida Road Trip! They are pretty cool with people bringing there own coolers.They do have do have a bar in the main lodge, with a number of craft brews on tap, and live acts play on the weekends. Just across the border in Illinois, you'll also find Chestnut Mountain Resort, which is 35 minutes closer to Chicago! very unique that you start atop than the bottom of the hill. Accommodations; Rates & Packages; Book Now! Winter vacationers visit Sundown Mountain ski resort because it offers a variety of terrain and snowy fun for all ages and abilities, allowing families to experience everything skiing and snowboarding have to offer. Split into two parks, the 85-acre resort features 21 ski runs, along with lodges and warming stations (this is the Midwest, after all!) Just across the border in Illinois, youll also find Chestnut Mountain Resort, which is 35 minutes closer to Chicago! There happened to be a group starting a lesson near us as well as small clusters all around the beginner area and I knew right away I wanted my daughter to have a lesson there just by listening to how enthusiastic all of the instructors were. Located 70 miles north of Duluth, this 202-acre resorts 35 ski runs are joined by little luxuries on-site lodging (a mix of 67 suites, from one to four bedrooms each, plus an indoor pool), restaurants, and a spa. USA. The Quill is the second highest point in Netherlands at an elevation of 1972 feet. Another "pro" is if you are a season pass holder to Sundown you can get free skiing/boarding at Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho. 16991 Asbury Rd. Best Western Plus Dubuque Hotel & Conference Center, View all hotels near Sundown Mountain on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Sundown Mountain on Tripadvisor, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Dubuque, Hotels near National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Hotels near Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Hotels near Mines of Spain Recreation Area, Hotels near Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, Hotels near Dubuque Municipal Airport (DBQ), Motels near Dubuque Municipal Airport (DBQ), Hotels near Wartburg Theological Seminary, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Dubuque, The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum, Lahaina: Turtle Town Snorkel and Whale Watch (Dec-April Time Permitting), Evening Food Tour with Girl Power Riders in Ho Chi Minh City | Kiss Tours, Mt. Hill is always well groomed considering the weather conditions make it tough. Mount Scenery is on the island of Saba in the Caribbean, which is now part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands after the . Best you'll get in Iowa. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. DUBUQUE, Iowa (KWQC) - Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque is now open for the winter ski season. Netherlands has a mean elevation of 98.5 feet (30 meters) above sea level and the lowest point is -7 meters at Zuidplaspolder, while the highest point is Mount Scenery reaching 2,877 feet (862 meters) above sea level. There wasn't much snow, but there were a few people on the slopes. At the 175-acre park are four terrain areas that add up to 47 runs. Hidden Gem & Great Alternative to Chestnut Mountain, Especially for Beginners! As weather cools down, ski resorts in the tri-state area look forward to reopening this week, Both Sundown and Chestnut Mountain resorts have been closed as of last week because of high temperatures. It has an indoor swimming pool too. Ive had more experienced riders give me good tips, nearly every time I go there. We had chosen it because it was one of the closest resorts to our home in Arkansas. Winter Activities. Youll find inspiration, itineraries and guides about all things adventure travel. Skiing in Iowa is most definitely a thing! Hope to see you back soon :). Im a British repatriate who lived in Iowa USA for 4 years! Wausau, WisconsinDistance from Chicago: 275 miles; 4-hour driveLocated within the chilled-outRib Mountain State Park overlooking the highest point in Wisconsin, this resort offers more room to roam than the crowded confines of popular alternatives like Cascade along with Wisconsins highest vertical drop measuring 700 feet. But after 30 minutes of practising, something seems to click (no, not my bones or jointssomething in my head!) Iron River, MichiganDistance from Chicago: 339 miles; 5.5-hour driveOften the first to open and the last to close each season, this sweet Michigan hideaway is a nice alternative to the megaresorts that often lay claim to the Midwests top runs. Netherlands has a mean elevation of 98.5 feet (30 meters) above sea level and the lowest point is -7 meters at Zuidplaspolder, while the highest point is Mount Scenery reaching 2,877 feet (862 meters) above sea level. Read up on pros, cons and other comments in reviews left by fellow skiers and riders. It's not Colorado, but the chair lift was fast and there were few lines. As mentioned above, Sundown Mountain is on the edge of Dubuque, however there is a whole range of things to do and see in the Downtown area. It's a little odd that you have to buy lift tickets and pay to rent equipment in one building and then go to a second building to actually get the equipment, but the process went fairly quickly for us. Thanks for the review We are so glad you had a good time on the slopes! The main thing that stood out was how friendly and outgoing the instructors were while we were walking around. 2 and a half hours was probably just about my limit as a new skier. If you've never skied, it's a great place to learn. Did you know that you could go skiing in Iowa!? The volcano supports animal species such as Saban Anole lizards. "When everybody else is sleeping, they are out making snow," Mark Gordon, general manager, said. Don't forget to submit your own Sundown Mountain review! Chestnuts location in Galena (one of ourtop Midwest winter vacation spots) perched high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River provides a unique environment from which to survey your surroundings before tackling the resorts 19 runs, three terrain parks, 10 lifts, and an impressive-by-Midwestern-standards 475-foot vertical drop. snow was good people are friendly and the terrain park is good. An adult weekday unlimited lift pass at Sundown Mountain Resort is $38 ($46 at weekends), ski and snowboard rentals are $32 for a day, making it an affordable option compared to some of the bigger resorts. I pretty much had the whole slope to myself yet still managed to plough down a small child that was standing under a treeits like my skis had a mind of their own! Why Is Biodiversity Critical To Life On Earth? Harbor Springs MichiganDistance from Chicago: 370 miles; 6-hour driveSince youre already driving all the way up to Michigan, you might as well scout out a place where you can not only ski, but sleep, shop, and eat all in one place. If youre a newbie and dont think youll get off the bunny hill, its actually cheaper to get just a pass for the beginners area. This level includes all training sessions and entry and coaching at the 4 WIJARA Race League events (Chestnut Mountain, Sundown Mountain, Cascade Mountain and Tyrol Basin). Non-Competitive Team - $350.00 This level includes all training sessions. These high points of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, both on mainland Europe and in the Caribbean, serve as major tourist attractions for both the wildlife supported therein as well as the activities supported by these areas. Sundown is a true Midwest ski resort destination offering great snow and an unforgettable winter experience. The vertical drop on Indianhead Mountain is 638 feet, and Blackjack Mountains is 490 feet. Within the 200-acre resort are 60 trails, 74 runs, and a 700-foot vertical drop. If youre a newbie and need some motivation, skiing is not only unbelievably exhilarating, its also an awesome substitute for your boring winter workout routine, improving coordination, strength, and flexibility. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. About. It had gotten late so we decided to return the following day to ski all day and skip Chestnut altogether. The black diamonds are more like blues in my opinion but still challenging. A ski resort's overall star rating displayed here is not calculated based on a simple average but takes several factors, including the age of a review, into account. Sundown has 21 varied ski runs and 2 terrain parks on the property. Otsego, MichiganDistance from Chicago: 159 miles; 2.5-hour driveWith 12 lifts, 20 runs, two terrain parks, and 100 acres of skiable terrain topping out at 850 feet with a 300-foot vertical drop, Bittersweet is typical of the small cluster of resorts in southwest Michigan that also includesSwiss Valley andTimber Ridge. These mountains are mainly of volcanic origin formed during various periods. Besides the equipment being great, the lessons are an hour and a half long which is longer than most places, including Chestnut. OK, so Sundown Mountain is not quite in the mountains, its actually in a valley and there arent a million runs. Mount Bohemias vertical drop of 900 feet ranks second in the Midwest. The stratovolcano is potentially active, the last eruption having occurred in 1640. Earlier this year, Granite Peak and Lutsen two other Midwest ski resorts acquired the 400-acre Big Snow Resort, in Michigans western U.P. Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque and Mount Crescent in Honey Creek, along with the 3rd Iowa ski resort Seven Oaks in Boone, are all part of the program. Im now an online ESL tutor, a job where I can technically work from anywhere in the world! Click here for our Frequently Asked Questions Page, Total Vertical Drop of 475 feet, with Runs Carved Among Picturesque Cedar Trees, 21 Scenic Trails with Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Runs, 2 Terrain Parks with Progressive Features, 2 Mountain Top Lodges Overlooking 100 Square Miles of Countryside, Kids Park Facility for Children Ages 3-11, Ski and Snowboard Lessons for All Ages and Abilities, Sundown Parks Video & Photo Contest 2023. Menu. Skiers can also imbibe or nosh at three different eateries, specializing in breakfast fare and grilled burgers. 17026 Snowhill Ln,Honey Creek, IA 51542 Tel:712-545-3850, Recommended by LeAnna from Well Traveled Nebraskan, A post shared by Mt. Well send you our daily roundup of all our favorite stories from across the site, from travel to food to shopping to entertainment. They also have live music on some evenings. Theres another ski resort just the other side of Dubuque in Galena, Illinois! Chestnut Mountain has 19 ski slopes and 2 terrain parks. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021 KCRG. From bunny hills to Black Diamonds, here are 15 standout ski resorts within driving distance of Chicago sure to put an end to those mid-winter blues. WIJARA (Wisconsin/Illinois/Iowa Junior Racing Association) includes 9 Midwest Ski Teams: Sundown Mountain, Chestnut Mountain, Tyrol Basin, Cascade Mountain, Snowstar, Hidden Valley, Blackhawk, Four Lakes, & Wilmot, Please complete 1 Registration Form per Family, Please complete 1 SRT Concussion Form per Racer, Sundown Mountain Resort Sundown does the best with well what they have. With a top elevation of 1,040 feet and a vertical drop of 388 feet, the 90 acres of skiable terrain is situated in a rolling forested area about 20 minutes north ofLake Geneva. Sundown Mountain--January 12 & 13, 2019. For this reason, its easy for Chicagoans to plan a weekend trip here (the Windy City is only a three-hour drive away). Im quite lucky that with my day job I get Fridays off work. Come for the day or kick back at the Mackenzie Lodge, conveniently stashed just below all the trails, where an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and roaring fire pits offer many opportunities to get warm. The lodge and carpark is at the top of the slopes which means you can get stuck right in and not have to start by riding a chair lift to get to the top! I might be stuck on the green slope still but Id be up for that haha . If you are required to enter a bib number to proceed with registration, just enter 599 or if allowed, leave the field blank. Great Midwest skiing for beginners & advanced. Rates start at $15 for a 2hr tube rental and lift ticket. and things just started to come naturally and Im not even sure exactly what I was doingI JUST STOPPED THINKING ABOUT IT. Just eight miles from Galena with its many shops, restaurants, and historic sites. The lessons are drop-in and the times are posted online which I found very convenient. Last year will be a tough one to match, but we have got a lot more membership now, a lot of people got into skiing and boarding, and we feel like we will have a good year, he said. Murphy mentioned he is excited to welcome people back to the slopes. Most day trippers from Chicago stick to Chestnut. I liked that Sundown allows you to bring your own food as well (as does Chestnut) and there are tables where you can eat and watch the skiers. And if inclines and declines aren't really your thing, the Mckenzie Cross-Country Trail also offers Nordic Skiing over 10 miles of all-level trails traversing Huron-Manistee National Forest. Here's a list of all the other things I could think off, even if they are stereotypes. One thing that surprised me the most when I moved to Iowa, was that there was actually a ski resort! Once a bib number is issued, SRT will submit final roster info & bib numbers will be noted for the season. Such activities include mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, and bird sighting, as well as watching wildlife. They have the typical mid west terrain parks, and they do try to setup 1 short mogul run. It also allowed me to practise getting on and off the chair lift without the fear of bringing the big main chair lift to a stop and having all the professionals look down on the idiot newbie skier! Thanks! My legs seemed to be doing OK but by the end my arms were dead and I was struggling to pull myself along on the flat with my poles! Still, there were a TON of beginners out of control where they shouldn't be. With this new mountain, the province has moved up 3 places in our mountain classification! They certainly wont blow you away, but they wont totally bore you either. NOW BOOKING Weddings, Reunions, Graduation Parties, and MORE! 16991 Asbury Rd. Mount Bohemia Ski Resort, Mohawk, Michigan, Chestnut Mountain Resort, Galena, Illinois, Perfect North Slopes, Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Giants Ridge Recreation Area, Biwabik, Minnesota, 10 Mountains You've Never Heard of but Need to Ski This Winter. We arrived at Sundown Mountain around 6pm Fri, later than we expected after checking into Hotel Julien but still an adequate amount of time to utilize the ski special until midnight. I love winter but would you believe I havent tried skiing? Use Search above to see rates for your dates. However, there is a spot on the Western border of Iowa that isnt so flat and is just about perfect for us Midwesterners who havent grown up in the Rockies or other mountainous areas where skiing is an everyday winter activity! Overall, Sundown Mountain was an awesome discovery and a fantastic ski resort for beginners (and probably even advanced skiers, as we saw many on the more advanced hills flying by and doing tricks) families, groups of friends, or really just anyone looking to have an amazing time. Her instructor (a female snowboarder) was very positive and encouraging which I believe inspired my 12 yr old to not want to give up and switch to skis; she was determined to master snowboarding! Haha! It has a few less runs compared to Sundown Mountain, but it has more slopes that are beginner friendly. If you already have to ski day pass, you can upgrade to include tubing for $5! Clearly this place understands how to strike a fine balance between adventure and leisure. Sundown Mountain in Dubuque is 3 hours from Chicago. It might be basic, but its definitely a thrill, providing a diverse ski experience for all ages with 12 lifts, three terrain parks, night skiing, and ski-in, ski-out accommodations, to boot. Were a true Midwest ski resort destination offering great snow and an unforgettable winter experience. She often seeks out wine bars, coffee roasters, cheesemongers' shops, art museums, antiques and vintage stores, yarn shops, and sprawling parks when she travels. Dubuque, IA 52002 The mountain attracts a large number of tourists mountaineering, and hiking. Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque, Iowa is one of the best Midwest ski resorts and the premier destination to take your family skiing and snowboarding this winter! Your racer will train right along side of the competitive team learning skiing fundamentals . With nine lifts and one-third of the resort dedicated to Black or Double Black Diamond tears, check out the Cannonball or Blunder trails for some of the most delightfully challenging terrain in the region. Come along for the ride! Poolshoogte (+26 m) near Odoorn, Emmen area, was the highest 'mountain' in the province of Drenthe until 2018. Full Review . Mad River Loft Bar & Grill is joined by a quick-serve cafeteria for high-altitude dining. Parking was much easier than at Chestnut which is not impossible, it just can be difficult with how busy it is there. Sundown Mountain Resort Dubuque has 21 ski runs (green, blue and black diamond) and 2 terrain parks. The scenic slopes at the resort are open for night skiing and snowboarding. Good man made snow - not icy. Saddle up, cowboy. At Chestnut, you must purchase a ski lift ticket even if you never leave the bunny hill which doesn't even allow an opportunity to ride the lift. Staff at Chestnut, on the other hand, hope to open for the season this weekend. We couldn't have done it without him!! Theres also an onsite hotel that overlooks some of the slopes. There's also a full bar area around the corner from the food concessions where there happened to be live music the day we were there. When I return Ill be tempted to visit at the same time, even if it is slightly more expensive, just to avoid the crowds. Its a small place but it does have a good variety of terrain, something for beginners up to experts. Your racer will train right along side of the competitive team learning skiing fundamentals . As the ski resorts in Iowa arent exactly the biggest, by buying a season pass you can actually get dicounts at other Resort Partners around the Midwest and across the USA! Get Directions to Sundown. While all suites boast a kitchen, The Sleeping Giant Restaurant & Bars specials like all-you-can-eat walleye on Fridays are enticing. But it does provide for some nice practice runs about as close to home as you can get. Lots and lots of ice. Very accomodating and friendly a wonderful experience for my family and friends. See how Sundown Mountain stacks up in the reviews, on and off the slopes, from skiing and family activities to the aprs scene. So if staying close to the ski resort is important to you, Chestnut Mountain could be a good option! I grew up in Iowa and had no idea there was a ski resort in Dubuque! Four chalets are a sweet spot to stay warm and toasty while grabbing a drink or a meal. And they have a lot of openings. With its namesake mountain at 1,460-foot elevation, the shining star at this Central Ohio ski resort the largest in Ohio is the 300-foot vertical drop. You must sign TWO (2) liability forms WIJARA & Iowa for. sundown mountain vs chestnut mountain Sundown Mountain in Dubuque is 3 hours from Chicago. Stop to eat at Fried Green Tomatoes! But all things considered, is a very nice hill that will keep most people busy and interested all day long! and the runs are groomed daily! Scroll to the bottom of this page to let other travelers know about your skiing and resort experience. Dubuque's Sundown Mountain Resort opened for its first day on Thursday, December 7th starting at 4pm. The north is Protestant, the south is Catholic. As if that wasnt enough, the resort also accommodates snow tubing, snowshoeing, winter ziplining, and bonfires where smores are highly encouraged.